From Childhood to Stardom: This Woman Became the Richest Actress in the World

If you asked most people to name Hollywood’s wealthiest actor or actress, guesses might include household names such as George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey, or Tom Cruise.

These are iconic figures whose careers span decades and whose names dominate global pop culture.

Yet none of these stars come close to the staggering fortune held by a woman who many remember not for blockbuster leading roles but for a steady, memorable career in film and television — and for the remarkable path her life took after Hollywood fame.

That woman is Jami Gertz, and her story is a surprising blend of entertainment, business acumen, and strategic partnership.

From Chicago Suburb to Hollywood: Early Life and Beginnings
Jami Beth Gertz was born on October 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, and she grew up in the nearby suburb of Glenview. She attended local public schools and was known as a bright, driven young girl with an early interest in performance and creative expression.

Her entry into acting came early: she began her on‑screen career as a teenager in the early 1980s and was part of the cast of projects that introduced her to audiences nationwide.

Her first film role came in the 1981 romantic drama Endless Love, followed by a part in the sitcom Square Pegs (1982–1983), which became one of her first recognitions on television.

Though Gertz didn’t immediately launch into blockbuster stardom, her warm, expressive presence and engaging performances made her memorable in a range of movies and series.

She stood out not because she was the most famous star in a room, but because she was recognizable and well‑liked to those who saw her work.

Climbing the Hollywood Ladder: Film and Television Career
Throughout the 1980s, Gertz appeared in a number of well‑known films that have since become part of the era’s cultural legacy. She co‑starred in movies such as Crossroads and Quicksilver (both 1986) before landing two of her most iconic roles in 1987’s Less than Zero and the cult classic The Lost Boys.

In The Lost Boys, Gertz portrayed Star, a compelling, edgy character in the vampire‑themed film that helped cement its place as a beloved ’80s favorite.

Although not the blockbuster hit of its time, the movie grew in popularity over the decades and remains synonymous with the era’s style and mood.

As her film credits grew, Gertz also became a familiar face on television. She appeared in popular series including The Facts of Life and had recurring or guest roles in hits such as Ally McBeal, Seinfeld, ER, Modern Family, Entourage, and This Is Us, showcasing her versatility from drama to comedy.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, she continued to star in films and TV shows, including a notable part in Twister (1996) — a big‑budget Hollywood spectacle that remains one of her most widely recognized big‑screen performances.

Yet unlike many Hollywood actors whose identities become inseparable from their careers, Gertz did not chase the spotlight for its own sake.

Instead, she balanced acting with a grounded personal life, forging deep relationships and maintaining a sense of normalcy even amid industry pressures and fame.

Love, Partnership, and a Turning Point: Meeting Tony Ressler
In 1989, Gertz married Antony “Tony” Ressler, a financier and entrepreneur. At the time, Ressler was working in investment banking and had not yet reached the extreme levels of wealth he would later achieve.

Gertz later explained that when they met and began their relationship, she was actually earning more than he was, even paying for their first home and vacation together — a testament to her early success as an actress.

This partnership proved to be transformative — not because Gertz married into wealth, but because it became the foundation for a powerful alliance of entertainment, business, and philanthropy.

Business Ventures and Explosive Growth
Soon after their marriage, Tony Ressler entered the world of private equity — co‑founding Apollo Global Management in 1990 and later Ares Management in 1997.

These firms rapidly grew into two of the most successful investment companies in the world, managing hundreds of billions of dollars in assets.

Apollo and Ares now command vast resources across industries, and their influence stretches into real estate, technology, sports, and more. Tony’s leadership in these firms — combined with smart investment strategy — played a central role in building the couple’s immense wealth.

What makes the story particularly interesting is that Gertz was not just a passive beneficiary of her husband’s success. She continued to be involved in business and decision‑making, and their financial growth was a shared journey.

In interviews, Gertz has highlighted the fact that they started out as equals, with her contributions — both financial and strategic — helping build the foundation for their later achievements.

NBA Ownership: A New Chapter
In 2015, Gertz and Ressler’s business story entered a new and highly visible arena: professional sports. They led a group that purchased the Atlanta Hawks, an NBA franchise, for approximately $720 million.

Since then, the value of the Hawks has soared, reflecting rising television deals, merchandising, fan interest, and the overall growth of the league’s global brand.

Owning an NBA team is more than a prestige purchase; it’s a long‑term investment with significant financial upside. As the league’s revenues have expanded, so too has the value of NBA franchises, making the Hawks one of the most valuable assets in the Gertz‑Ressler portfolio.

The couple also holds a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers Major League Baseball team, further diversifying their sports investments.

These holdings, along with their work in private equity and real estate, contribute to a financial profile that goes far beyond what celebrity earnings alone could achieve.

Net Worth and Recognition: A Wealth Beyond the Screen
Estimates of Jami Gertz’s fortune vary depending on the source, but they consistently show her among not just the richest actors in Hollywood — but among the richest people in entertainment globally.

Some reputable estimates place her personal net worth in the multi‑billion‑dollar range, often between about $3 billion and $12 billion, based on combined assets with her husband and their ownership stakes in sports teams and private equity firms.

Even on the lower end of these estimates, she surpasses the typical fortunes of even the most iconic Hollywood stars, whose net worths are often measured in the tens or hundreds of millions.

Many reports now describe her as the wealthiest actress in the world, a title she holds not from blockbuster film salaries but from strategic investments, ownership stakes, and sustained long‑term growth.

Balancing Private Life and Public Impact
Despite her immense wealth and high‑profile business accomplishments, Gertz has largely avoided the tabloid spotlight.

She and Tony raise their children quietly, maintain a grounded family life, and have focused substantial energy on philanthropy and community support rather than celebrity spectacle.

The couple established the Gertz‑Ressler Foundation, which supports causes in education, health, and community development.

In earlier years, they were recognized among the top charitable celebrity donors in the United States, reflecting a commitment to giving back that matches their financial achievements.

Gertz also serves on the board of charitable organizations such as the Melanoma Research Alliance, supporting medical research and advocacy for those affected by cancer. Her involvement in nonprofit efforts shows a dedication to impact that extends beyond business success.

A Career Without Compromise
Jami Gertz’s story challenges common assumptions about fame, success, and wealth in Hollywood. She never sought the constant glare of red carpet cameras, nor did she pursue tabloid notoriety.

Instead, she carved a career that balanced creative work with business savvy, strong partnerships, and a grounded sense of personal direction.

Her journey shows that creative talent and strategic collaboration can open paths that few imagine when they first step in front of a camera.

Although many remember her performances in classic films and sitcoms, her legacy today is as much about astute leadership, long‑term investment, and thoughtful stewardship of influence and resources.

The World’s Richest Actress Is… Jami Gertz
So who is the little girl in that photo — the girl from Glenview, Illinois, who grew up to become one of the richest actresses in the world?

She is Jami Gertz — an actress, business leader, philanthropist, and owner of major professional sports franchises. Known for her roles in The Lost Boys, Less than Zero, Twister, Still Standing, and many television appearances, she has built a life that defies the usual Hollywood narrative.

Her fortune — derived from a combination of Hollywood earnings, major private equity success, sports franchise ownership, and smart long‑term investment — places her in a category all her own.

While she may not dominate tabloid headlines, her influence and accomplishments are felt in film, business, and philanthropy alike — a testament to the power of versatility, partnership, and thoughtful life choices.